PRIMARY schools across Cheshire may be forced to merge because of the falling birth rate, education chiefs warned last night.

The news comes after it was revealed the number of surplus places in primary schools across the region will more than double during the next five years.

Cheshire education chiefs are predicting a 2,500 fall in primary pupil numbers in that period.

A spokesman for Cheshire County Council said: "In schools where there are 25pc or more surplus places, we will review the situation and explore the possibility of amalgamation between infant and junior schools where appropriate."

In Wirral, there are fears the problem could lead to some schools closing.

Wirral's deputy director of education, Les Maxim, said he hoped the situation could be managed. But he confirmed that, in the "worst case scenario", the fall in pupil numbers could lead to schools having to close.

There are 27,861 primary school pupils in Wirral. This compares with 31,059 places, or almost 90pc occupancy.

But as a result of a fall in the birth rate, there is expected to be a further reduction in pupil numbers of around 2,786 by 2006, resulting in around 6,950 surplus places, or 78 pc occupancy.

Mr Maxim said: "We are taking action to try to reduce these places.

"We will be working in partnership with community bodies to develop ways of using surplus places other than for school use.

"Possible uses include afterschool clubs, early years clubs or adapting excess space for specialist needs and technology suites."

Mr Maxim said everything would be done to try to reduce places to an acceptable level.